Why Save the Mau?

The importance of the Mau forest is irrefutable, as it is, according to the UN Environmental Program, “the single most important watershed in Rift Valley and Western Kenya.”

The Mau Forest Complex consists of 21 forests feeds 12 essential rivers, which are not only crucial to the rich biodiversity of Kenya’s flora and fauna but also the economic progress of the country.

Five of the main rivers (Yala, Nzoia, Nyando, Sondu, and Mara) drain into Lake Victoria, the source of the Nile River. Therefore, the fate of the Mau is, to some extent, linked to the biodiversity of Egypt and Sudan; of which Nile River is their lifeline.

To the Tanzanians who depend on Lake Natron, the Ewaso Nyiro River, which starts from the Mau forest is of great ecological and agricultural importance.

Four more rivers ( Njoro, Makalia, Naishi, and Nderit) drain in Lake Nakuru, which is a world-famous lake for its excellent bird spectacle and is also essential to the large numbers of the rhino population in Lake Nakuru National Park.

The great mara river, the lifeline of the world-renowned Maasai mara national reserve, also originates from the Mau. The park is famous for its high concentration of wildlife and is a key tourist attraction in Kenya.

Furthermore, the Kerio River is another famous river that originates from the Mau forest and empties into the largest lake in Kenya: Lake Turkana. The lake is very already under significant threat from the construction of Gibe III Dam in Ethiopia, which blocks out 80% of the water flowing in from the Omo river.

Lastly, the Molo river whose waters have drastically dried up due to prolonged drought also starts from the Mau forest.

So what does this have to do with planting trees?

Well, continued human encroachment has left a quarter of the Mau forest in a sad state. This enormous loss of trees most certainly will prove very disastrous for future generations if left to continue any longer.

It’s simple, really: no trees, no rain.

That is why the Save The Mau initiative was long overdue and such a relief to environmentalists in Kenya.

And as Kenya is experiencing one of its worst water crisis, it is now more imperative than ever to restore one of Kenya’s most important water catchment basin to its former glory.

Since these rivers are being threatened at their source, they are not providing as much water needed further downriver.

As can be expected, settlers were not happy to be evicted out of their homes, and some politicians could not pass the opportunity to further their agendas by inciting the locals against the tree planting initiative.

But despite these challenges, environmentalists across Kenya came together and planted over 200,000 trees last Friday (1st November 2019). Additionally, plans are underway to fence it off to prevent future generations from going down this road again.